Instructional Assistant, Special Education

Primary Purpose

To assist the classroom teacher in providing curriculum activities and experiences designed to their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth of all special education students

Qualifications

Education/Certification:

High School Diploma or equivalent, required

Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours, required

Special Knowledge/Skills

Paraprofessional Certification, preferred (required upon employment)

Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions; ability to work with emotionally, physically and/or mentally impaired students; ability to maintain composure under stressful conditions; and ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Experience

Basic computer skills performed, preferred

Background in working with special needs children or adults, preferred

Major Responsibilities And Duties/Essential Functions

• Assist teacher in daily classroom operations and help provide a supportive learning environment.
• Assist with behavior management and medical needs of students.
• Assist in supervising students throughout the workday.
• Feed or help students feed themselves.
• Assist with special toileting needs.
• Monitor students to and from buses, in cafeteria, in inclusion classrooms and in hallways to and from activities.
• Sanitize room and equipment.
• Assist teachers in planning and preparation of instructional materials.
• Under supervision of the special education teacher, work with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Equipment Used

Computer, copiers, multimedia equipment, and other office or classroom machines

Working Conditions

Mental Demands:

Ability to make rational decisions under stressful circumstances; deal with special needs children in a caring, supportive, but non-emotional manner

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Ability to lift or move at least 40 pounds and push over 100 pounds; must be able to work in a noisy environment; ability to provide for sanitation needs and student hygiene; assist in restraining students in crisis situations.

Days: 187

Hourly Pay Range

Minimum: $13.85

Maximum: $19.33

Note: Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined indvidually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.